Greetings everybody! I have a question about a board for a portly old man such as myself. Looking for a beginner board that will also serve as the "house board" when newbies join us at the lake. Kids have boards for their friends. This one will be for me and other adults who want to give it a try.

I'm 48 years old, 6' and weigh.... ok, here it is.... 230lb! I have no intention of killing myself so what I'm looking for at this point of my life is ease of use and comfort. I need a board that will serve beginners. A few that I have looked at include:

I have based this solely on the description from the mfg. and assuming that the largest board is the easiest. If this is not the case, please let me know. I figure 142ish is the bottom range with 146 being .... well, a boat! What I really NEED is real life experience. Which boards do you and your friends LOVE and which did you have and not really like. I figure to do this once so I'd like to get it right.

^yes the clutch is a solid board. I would also really recommend the O'Brien Valhalla 143. As an all around board for every skill level, it's probably the best board on the market (compared to other boards "built for everyone". I've witnessed tons of people learning to get up and make their first cuts on this board, cross the wake the first time, land their first invert, and there's even guys who absolutely kill it on this board. Go to your local O'Brien dealer and ask them about the Valhalla and I'm sure they'll give you all the info. But if you got any questions, just let me know!

2011 Vault on EVO.com for around 160 shipped. I just got mine cant wait to get out there on it. i found the 146 2011 Trip with index bindings for 200 online somewhere when i was searching and evaluating options. Everyone told me to go with the Vault so thats the way i went. I'm 6.4 220 and ride with 2 other guys of the same weight and height. If you want my opinion on this board vs a 2002 trip 143 i can give it later this week after i get a chance to ride the Ronix Vault. I can tell you one thing it looks awesome!